Torture accused released on bail

A GOLD Coast tradie with alleged gang links is accused of putting a blow torch on a man’s knees during four days of torture, because he had tried to hit on his girlfriend.

Bowie Sheng Papa was granted bail in the Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday. He is facing multiple charges including extortion, torture and robbery.

Papa (pictured) is denying the torture, saying the alleged victim cooked him dinner.

The court was told Papa and a friend allegedly tortured another man in his Surfers Paradise unit between March 8-12 this year because the man had tried to hit on Papa’s girlfriend.

It is alleged that during that period Papa held a blow torch to the man’s knees, covered his face with a pillow and made him walk around on all fours.

Police alleged Papa tried to make the man sign over a number of cars into Papa’s name.

The court was told the alleged victim had changed his version of events when CCTV footage contradicted what he originally told police.

Papa is alleged to have connections to the Finks bikie gang.

Police prosecutor Joel Sleep said an addendum statement had been taken from the alleged victim that explained the discrepancies.

“One of the most serious allegations was using a blow torch on the knees and the ongoing assaults still remain,” he said.

Papa has been in custody in relation to the alleged incident since March.

Defence solicitor Demi Quadrio, of Gatenby Criminal Lawyers, told the court the photographs of the alleged victim’s injuries to his knees were not consistent with a blow torch being held to the area.

“I would expect to see significant burns on the knees,” she said, adding there were also some other inconsistencies in the complainant’s statements. “It seems baffling to me that the complainant would make my client dinner when it is alleged my client has been assaulting him over a number of days. It seems strange behaviour.”

Ms Quadrio said a witness had also seen the complainant taking drugs.

Magistrate Kerry Magee granted Papa bail with a number of conditions.

“It should be noted the complainant’s initial statement was inconsistent with the CCTV footage which resulted in him significantly amending the factual sequence and factual scenario.”

Papa’s bail conditions include reporting to police seven days a week, a curfew, a residential condition and that he not have any contact with the alleged victim, his co-accused or any witnesses. The matter will return to court on June 29.